Recaulculating . . .
Most newer automobiles come equipped with some sort of GPS system as part of the basic vehicle package. Most who drive have utilized these at one time or another. GPS stands for “Global Positioning System, and as I understand it, works for everyone. The following is from Wikipedia and may help us understand it a little better. The Global Positioning System (GPS), originally Navstar GPS, is a satellite-based radio navigation system owned by the United States government and operated by the United States Space Force. It is one of the global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) that provide geolocation and time information to a GPS receiver anywhere on or near the Earth where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. It does not require the user to transmit any data, and operates independently of any telephonic or Internet reception, though these technologies can enhance the usefulness of the GPS positioning information. It provides critical positioning capabilities to military, civil, and commercial users around the world. Although the United States government created, controls and maintains the GPS system, it is freely accessible to anyone with a GPS receiver.
This is quite a bit of information but shows that quite a bit of technology is utilized to keep a user ‘on track’. Some GPS units will say (or show) the word “RECALCULATING” when a user starts to deviate from the prescribed pathway to reach a desired destination. The individual ‘user’ must decide if they will follow the directions or “take a chance” at where they will end up. Sadly, many refuse the instructions of such a machine that has access to so much more data than they, and then will blame the device through which information is provided. Is it the fault of the “architects”, builders, or the “tech” of GPS if we get lost? Were the direction(s) faulty, or does the blame lie with the rejection or the ‘misuse’ of the information that is provided? When one’s location and destination is known, the route becomes certain.
Now, what has any of this to do with “spiritual” matters? The Bible has often been referred to as “God’s Road Map to heaven”. Many a sermon has been built and delivered to ‘re-direct’ those who were astray, or to instruct the lost how to be saved. In 1Pet. 4:11, in the context of spiritual gifts, the Spirit had Peter pen: If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. This means that the “words” spoken were to be as if God Himself was delivering the message. Indeed, He was as the Spirit is God. In Mark 13:11b Christ told His apostles that the Spirit would provide them what to say. . . . take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
Additionally, the “message” is without flaw. Originally, as in Acts 2:42 Salvation’s message was unerringly delivered by the apostles, and heard in every language on the Day of Pentecost “as the Spirit gave them utterance.”. In John 16:13 Christ promised the apostles the Spirit would “guide you into all truth”. In John 14:26 Christ’s promise to them was that the Holy Ghost would “teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”. This method, and all the “spiritual gifts” was temporary because it was utilized in the absence of the written Word.
In 1Cor. 13:8-9 the Spirit had Paul explain that at that time they were in possession of ‘some of the Word, and some spiritual gifts’. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. Then in vs 10, we read that when the ‘completed’ Word is available, the “gifts” would no longer be necessary and would be taken away. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. The same Spirit had James call Gods’ Word the “perfect law of liberty” in Jas. 1:25, and “whoso looketh” (continually looks into) and then “continueth therein” (constantly follows) it is to be blessed. This can only be interpreted that they in so doing, will successfully arrive at the desired location – (heaven).
God’s Word has always been the “guide”. Parts of it were written to His people Israel while His Covenant with them was in effect. Sadly, many failed to follow. In Jer. 6:16 when God’s people Israel were admonished to “Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.”. When they refused the inspired “recalculation” required of them they said: “ We will not walk therein.” The Hebrew Christians, in Heb 2:3, were asked: “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; ”? They were being asked if they expected to arrive at the desired destination (salvation) while not following the inspired GPS (N.T. plan of Salvation).
Why won’t you look into God’s Word today and see what recalculation you need to make to be on the right path to heaven? Unlike GPS systems on earth, God has only one path to heaven and it’s the same route for everyone. Get on the right path, faithfully follow God’s GPS – His Written Word – before it’s too late for you. After your life on earth ends, there’s no place to turn around.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
